Is Cleo app legit?

Hundreds of Cleo reviews from March and April 2025 that we analyzed suggest users can rely on the app. Here’s what they have to say about it:

• Lifesaver: Many users describe Cleo as a “lifesaver”, appreciating how it helps them out during tough times when funds are tight
• Always there: Numerous users praise Cleo for being “always there when I need it”, highlighting its reliability and consistent support in financial emergencies
• Inconsistent advances: A few users express frustration with inconsistent cash advance amounts, noting that their available advance can decrease unexpectedly even when they’ve paid back on time Still, the dominant theme is clear: most users trust Cleo as a dependable backup plan that’s there when they need it most, whether to handle surprise expenses, manage cash flow between paychecks, or simply provide peace of mind in challenging times.

While Cleo advertises cash advances up to $250, users have mixed experiences with the amounts they're actually able to obtain. Here's what people are saying:

• Initial High Advances: Some users report getting advance amounts of $65, $120, or even up to $250 when they first signed up.
• Helps in a Pinch: Many users appreciate that Cleo provides quick cash advances to help with emergencies.
• Decreasing Limits: Several users mention that their advance limits decreased over time, sometimes dropping from $200 to $40, despite paying back on time.
• Smaller Advances than Advertised: Some users feel misled by the up to $250 claim, as they were only offered advances as low as $20 or $30.
• Inconsistent Amounts: Users report that the amount they can borrow fluctuates unpredictably, making it hard to plan.
• High Fees for Small Advances: There are complaints about paying fees totaling over $13 to borrow small amounts like $30.

Overall, while Cleo can be helpful for quick cash advances, you might not receive the full $250 advertised, and your available amount could change unexpectedly.

Even though Cleo claims to have over 5 million users, we found 50+ reviews published recently describing the service as scammy (for context, this is out of hundreds we analyzed). About 40 explicitly call the service a “scam”, “fraud”, or accuse it of stealing money, while others describe unauthorized charges or hidden fees that made them feel deceived.

Several users worry about identity theft or data misuse, and many report never receiving the promised cash advances despite paying subscription fees.

The overarching theme is that people feel tricked and financially harmed, citing unwanted subscriptions, surprise charges, and frustrating interactions with AI-based customer service that offers no real help.